Back to navigation


Bakithi Kumalo's Outstanding Signature U-Bass





This article was


Written By





Our Product Research Team





Get to know them!





Bakithi Kumalo has been a proud endorsee of the Kala U-Bass for over a decade, so he's long overdue for a signature U-Bass. Enter the Kala Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass. This short-scale, acoustic-electric ukulele bass is ideal for new and experience players alike, boasting rich-sounding roundwound strings and the perfect tonewood recipe for a warm, woody tone. You also get a U-Bass Active EQ for outstanding plugged-in tone. The Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass features plenty of Bakithi's personal touches, including a distinctive black pickguard and custom Zulu shield headstock artwork. Ever since he unleashed his memorable bass solo on Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al," Bakithi's name has been synonymous with excellence, and the Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass reflects the acclaimed bassist's one-of-a-kind approach to the instrument.





Related Videos: Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-electric U-Bass - Natural


Rich-sounding strings with a familiar feel





The Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass features roundwound strings. These more traditional-sounding strings enhance the rich low end of this not-so-traditional U-Bass. Built on a nylon core with a silver-plated winding set and a low tension that’s easy on the fingers, they deliver classic, booming U-Bass tone. Plus the players here at Sweetwater have found that they feel great under your fingers for hours of fun-filled playing.





The right tonewoods bring out this U-Bass's warm and woody sound





As an acoustic instrument, another major factor in the Kala Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass's tone is the selection of tonewoods. This U-Bass gives you the characteristically full-bodied sound of mahogany construction. Plus, it looks simply amazing! Add to that a rosewood fingerboard and bridge and you get a kind of dark warmth that blossoms with every note.





Custom Kala electronics with active EQ make this U-Bass a real live performer





Introduced on the 2013 edition of the U-Bass, Kala's custom piezo electronics give the Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass a vibrant and realistic sound when you play plugged in. An active equalizer lets you tweak your tone, effortlessly meeting the needs of even the most demanding venues.





Kala Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-electric U-Bass Features:


Signature U-Bass of celebrated bassist Bakithi Kumalo


A beautiful and massive-sounding acoustic-electric bass guitar you can take anywhere


Compact 20.8125-inch-scale, 16-fret fingerboard provides plenty of room to play


Nylon-core roundwound strings deliver deep resonant tone


Mahogany construction provides full-bodied warmth with an incredibly deep fundamental


Separately compensated saddles for each string and die-cast tuners keep your tuning and intonation solid


Onboard piezo pickup with Kala Active EQ provides exceptional sound in any live environment


Replete with Bakithi's personal touches, including a distinctive black pickguard and custom Zulu shield headstock artwork